Chapter 4 Feeling Out Of Place

AALIYAH:

"I can't marry you." I finally said, breaking out of my reverie and pulling away from him.

He thinks this is some kind of joke? No, I can't do this.. it's crazy. Making a commitment that big needs time, planning and most importantly, consent.

I'm not ready. I will not go along with the unexpected marriage.

"It's the only way, except you'd want everyone to consider you a r@pe victim." he smirked, causing me to shudder.

That's the worst thing that can happen to anyone. I wouldn't like the world thinking that's what transpired. "Can't we tell them we both wanted it?"

But Damon shook his head, his expression grim. "No, we can't," he said, his voice low and urgent. "The world hated me the first time it happened. I lost my business, my partners... Everyone turned against me. And now, if this gets out, everyone will be quick to conclude that I'm a habitual predator. It's happened twice, for goodness sake..I can't let it happen again."

I had to make the decision. I'd rather be trapped in a loveless marriage than to lose my only sister – a reminder of my parents that both died tragically. I had to do this. Get married to this man.

"I'll pay for her surgery, Aaliyah. She'll get the best surgeon," he said, his eyes glinting with a calculating intensity. "You'll never have to worry about money again. But you'll have to be my bride." He said, his cold eyes boring holes into me. "Let's get married."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Married? To Damon Hernandez? Is this a dream? Who would've guessed. I'm more intrigued than scared. A loveless marriage. I'm used to all sorts of loveless relationships except this one.... This one is interesting.

He wasn't giving me a choice. Working ten hours a day just to come up with enough money was strenuous. I barely slept every day. I felt a wave of desperation wash over me. I needed that money and I had no way of paying for it. Damon knew it, and he was using it against me.

"Yes," I whispered, the word feeling like it was being ripped from my throat.

Damon's face remained impassive, but I saw a flicker of triumph in his eyes. "Good," he said, with a dark smile.. "I'll make the arrangements. We'll get married tomorrow."

I felt myself getting excited at the prospect.

**

True to his words, we got married the next day.

My hands were shaking, so I quickly placed them on my laps, trying, futilely, to steady my breaths. I thought the marriage would be an easy process– Damon explicitly said it's going to be a simple court marriage with few relatives – but seeing the lavish preparations made me think otherwise.

The makeup artists did a great job. I did a double take at her reflection, stunned by my transformation.

Look at the hair! I was bubbling with awe and excitement.

It was as if I was a completely different person, an elegant model not the surly looking lady that got her heart broken after all her sacrifices for her boyfriend.

The door opened and I gasped. Damon's mother, Mrs Lisa Hernandez. I wasn't expecting her. There was a bright smile plastered on her face that just freaked me out. "Good morning, dear! Aren't you just radiant today? I can't believe it. My silly son hid his fiance from me for all these years."

I forced a smile, still feeling a bit off.. "Good morning, Mrs. Hernandez."

She floated over to me, her eyes scanning my appearance. "Aren't you a beauty. You'll tell me how you two met later. So I've decided to make today's wedding a truly unforgettable occasion."

I raised an eyebrow, sensing a trap. "What do you mean?"

Mrs. Hernandez's smile grew wider. "I've arranged for a luxurious ceremony, complete with a red carpet, crystal chandeliers, and a live orchestra. And, of course, a stunning glass statue of the happy couple will be unveiled during the reception. The wedding would be elegant and big."

I felt a surge of panic. "But...I thought we were just having a small, private ceremony? Damon said so."

I'm talking as if we're already used to each other and knew each other for ages.

Mrs. Hernandez waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, no, no, no! My son deserves so much more than that. And besides, I want to show the world how happy I am to finally have a daughter-in-law."

The fuck?? We didn't talk about this. It's crazy. The world seeing us together. That means my sister and step mom will be aware of this. Even that bastard Carlos.

Isn't this interesting?

."But...Damon said it was just going to be a court marriage." I managed.

Mrs. Hernandez's smile faltered for a moment, and I caught a glimpse of something cold and calculating in her eyes. "Oh, don't pay any attention to what my son says, dear. I'm the one who really knows what's best for him. And what's best for him is a big, flashy wedding to show off his beautiful new bride. Trust me dear, you're pretty– and to think I was almost regretting this." She smiled but I didn't quite smile back.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized that Mrs. Hernandez didn't like me one bit. Well guess what, the feeling is mutual. She's probably wondering how we met. A simple restaurant employee and a crazily rich hot shot.

"Umm, Mrs Hernandez, I invited my best friend. Her invitation was declined..." I trailed off, wondering how to put it. I was shocked when Rita told me this.

.

"Is she a famous model? TikToker? Anything?" She asked dryly, and I felt hurt instantly.

"She's my friend," I seethed, clenching my fists so hard my nails dug into my skin. "Isn't that enough reason?"

Mrs. Hernandez's expression turned stern. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Aaliyah. She's not allowed to be here."

.

"Why?" I asked, looking taken aback. I thought it would be nice to have some familiar faces around. Since I have no family members in attendance. Gosh, this woman wants to make it about them.

"Because this is a high-society wedding, and we can't have just anyone attending. I'm afraid your friends are not...suitable for a gathering of this caliber. We must maintain a certain level of elegance and sophistication." She answered, touching her diamond ring.

I gaped, feeling hurt.

"Besides Miss, if you weren't getting married to my son, you'd be nowhere near us." she smirked, leaving the room.

My blood dried up instantly.

**

I stood at the back of the aisle, my heart racing with nervousness. I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me, and my palms were growing sweaty by the second. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down, but it was no use.

The music began, and I stepped out into the aisle, accompanied by my bridesmaids. Nico,who I learnt was Damon's best man, gave me a reassuring smile as he offered me his arm.

As we made our way down the aisle, I couldn't help but scan the crowd for Damon. But he was nowhere to be found. Fuck.

I reached the altar and turned to face the guests, trying to maintain a calm smile. What's going on? Where's Damon?

Cameras clicked endlessly.

I could feel my face growing hotter by the second, and my sweat glands were working overtime.

Where's Damon? I didn't see him after our conversation yesterday. I was just ushered to a room by a maid and treated regally.

Gosh, this man is unbelievable, I thought, trying to stifle a smirk. His nerves are something else.

I glanced over at Nico, who raised an eyebrow and mouthed, "Don't worry, he'll show up."

But as the minutes continued to tick by, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being abandoned on my wedding day.

Where's my groom????

Then, he walked out and my heartbeats exploded in my chest. I was suddenly so scared..